The sun-dried seed pod of a type of climbing orchid, vanilla has an inimitable soft, sweet…

2 tbsp Cointreau or Grand Marnier, optional

Method

Put the sugar in a small frying pan, preferably non-stick, and add the water. Heat slowly, stirring gently with a metal tablespoon until the sugar has dissolved. The base of the pan will no longer feel gritty when you run the spoon over it. (Step 1)

Increase the heat under the pan and allow the syrup to bubble. As the water is driven off, the syrup will become thicker and the bubbles on the surface will get bigger. Do not stir the syrup during this time. (Step 2)

Watch the syrup carefully and when it starts to turn golden at the edges, swirl the pan to ensure even colouring. Do not stir it. When the syrup has turned a rich golden caramel colour, remove from heat. (Step 3)

Put the eggs and yolks in a bowl with the sugar and whisk lightly together.

Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Strain into a clean jug and add the vanilla, and liqueur, if using. Pour carefully into the prepared ramekins.

Pour boiling water from the kettle into a roasting tin to come halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake for 15-20 mins until the custards are just set. Leave to cool, then chill for at least 4 hrs, or even overnight. The caramels can be made up to 3 days in advance.

To turn out each caramel, run the point of a sharp knife around the top edge of each ramekin, place a dessert plate on top and invert. Give the ramekin and plate a sharp shake and carefully remove the ramekin.

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Comments, questions and tips

the caramel was a disaster. mary berrys recipe recommends 6 tbsp of water for 160g of sugar...that worked a treat!

screamer

18th May, 2013

An update.. I put them back in the oven for another 35 minutes and then back in the fridge.. 2 were set.. The other two more runny .. The caramel was hard and stuck too.. Im well prepared to think i did something wrong but i wont be making this in a hurry again..

screamer

17th May, 2013

Help.. I followed the instructions and the caramels are not remotely set.. People turning up to dinner in two hours! Any suggestions?

ds3446

2nd Jan, 2013

These are so simple to make an taste great! Would deffo recommend if you have nothing to do on a rainy day!

burgundy_cyan

9th May, 2012

You could have just poured some boiling hot water into your ramekins and let it soak for a couple of minutes, repeat this two to three times and all the hard caramel would have dissolved away. It's normal to get hardened caramel at the bottom of ramekins when you make creme caramel. Hope this would make you try making one of my favourite desserts again!

saskiasusan

25th Jul, 2011

1.05

I Followed the recipe making the caramel first, swirling it around the ramekin, then moved onto making the custard. When it came to turning them out ,the custard came out easy enough, but left a rock hard piece of caramel behind. (and I hadnt overcooked the caramel) I have been unable to get the caramel out and had to throw away my ramekins. I have made creme caramel in the past and this hasnt happened before. The custard had a nice taste though and took 28 mins to cook. Disappointed and ramekinless.

saffiretwo

16th Jun, 2011

Did not suit my taste but sure it should suit someone elses

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